As part of its “Connect To Türkiye” initiative, Turkish Airlines (THY) hosted 200 tour operator representatives from around the world in İzmir to promote Türkiye’s cultural and touristic wealth. The centrepiece of the event was the ancient and symbolically significant city of Ephesus.
Türkiye in the Global Tourism League
Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism Nadir Alpaslan, speaking at the event, emphasised that Türkiye has become one of the leading countries in global tourism:
“Whatever comes to mind when thinking of tourism products, the finest examples are found in our country. We possess extraordinary tourism diversity. By supporting this potential with the right investments and promotion strategies, we are transforming Türkiye into a global attraction centre.”
Alpaslan also noted that Türkiye hosted 62 million foreign visitors in 2023, generating $61 billion in tourism revenue. He added that international collaborations will be expanded to ensure the sustainability of this success.
İzmir and the Aegean Region in the Spotlight
İzmir Governor Süleyman Elban, in his speech, highlighted the city’s tourism potential, describing İzmir as one of the rare destinations that offers history, nature, and sea tourism all in one. Governor Elban invited all holidaymakers to discover İzmir’s unique atmosphere.
Türkiye’s Historical and Cultural Heritage on the World Stage
Bolat, a representative from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, drew attention to Türkiye’s rich cultural heritage:
“Türkiye is an exceptional destination for cultural tourism, home to countless historical structures representing various civilisations and eras. As always, we continue to warmly welcome visitors from all over the world with our famously hospitable people.”
A Programme Enriched with Cultural Events
The event featured performances of traditional folk dances and Turkish folk music. After İzmir, the visiting tour operators also explored other cities rich in history and natural beauty, such as Afyonkarahisar and Denizli, gaining a deeper appreciation of Türkiye’s diverse offerings.
A Global Vision to Promote Türkiye
THY’s “Connect To Türkiye” programme, launched as an international promotional campaign, plays a vital role not only in tourism but also in cultural diplomacy. Similar events are planned in different regions to continue promoting Türkiye’s tourism diversity more effectively to global markets.
